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One of the hardest aspects of maintaining a regular workout schedule is simply finding the time to get to the gym. After a long day at work the last thing most of us want to do it get changed and fight traffic on the way to the gym. This is enough to make us discouraged and choose lounging on the couch over going to exercise. If you’re someone who has struggled with showing up to your workouts while still shelling out your hard-earned cash on overpriced gym memberships it may be time to reassess your situation.

A garage conversion into a home gym may be just the thing to solve your problems. The conversion will allow you the convenience of exercising on your own time and while it may be a larger upfront expense, the money you save on gas and memberships will soon make it a worthwhile investment.

Additionally, people with home gyms tend to stick to their planned workouts since there is no excuse to avoid the gym. A home gym can also increase your motivation as the process allows you to tailor the space to your specific exercise needs and wants. The following tips can help you transform your garage into the home gym of your dreams.

1.    Plan for Your Space and Needs

The equipment you choose to put in your gym should be tailored to suit your goals and your usual workout style. Determine the amount of space you will need to accommodate this equipment. When you’re planning the layout of the room, consider whether you prefer cardio or weight training. Keep in mind that a treadmill or stationary bike will take up more room than a weight bench, and plan accordingly.

2.    Choose Appropriate Flooring

The cold, rough concrete of a garage is not the ideal choice for a home gym, so it may be necessary to choose different more appropriate flooring for the space. Rubber is one of the most popular choices for  gyms, however adding carpet over the rubber may help increase your home gym’s comfort level and aesthetic.

3.    Consider Air Circulation

There’s no way to avoid it – the gym is a sweaty (and often smelly) place. Considering air circulation ahead of time will let you know whether you need to add any features to your gym such as ceiling fans which will help the air move, or installing additional windows.

4.    Add a Mirror Wall

Installing a mirror in your home gym can help you avoid injuries as you will be able to make sure you’re using the correct posture and positioning during your exercises.

5.    Look at Lighting Options

Most garages are pretty dark places, as they either have no windows or very few windows which are also small and placed high on the wall. Consider adding a few full-size windows or replacing your garage door with a glass wall. Additionally, installing bright overhead lighting can increase safety as well as give you a boost in energy and motivation.

6.    Choose the Right Colors

Color has a tremendous effect on our mood. If you want to create a high energy environment in your home gym opt for bold and bright colors such as orange, red or gold. Avoid overly intricate patterns as they can be distracting. If you prefer a calmer workout environment (especially if you do yoga) opt for softer shades to decorate your newly converted garage such as light and soft blues, greens or violets. Work with a designer or sketch out the room yourself to figure out which colors will work best to achieve your desired result.